Frequently Asked Questions

What is a portable air conditioner?

A portable air conditioner is an air conditioner that is mobile. Unlike window, through-the-wall, or central air conditioning units, portable units do not require permanent installation. Commonly, these units have caster wheels for easy portability and are extremely durable.

What is required to set up a portable AC?

Requirements vary based on the model, but set up is typically quick and painless. Since all portable ACs remove warm air and moisture as they cool, the air has to be exhausted to another location–generally outside through an included window kit. Window kits have a window slider and exhaust hose(s), which can easily be set up to exhaust warm air outside. Select models can also be vented into a drop ceiling or through a wall. Once you set up the exhaust hose and window kit, you can simply plug in your AC and start cooling.

Will a portable air conditioner work for multiple rooms?

It depends. Similar to a window-mounted air conditioner, a portable air conditioner is effective in cooling its immediate area. However, the cold air will not travel down the hallway or through narrow doorways. If a space has very large openings from one room to another, then it is possible that adjacent spaces may experience a slight cooling effect. Fans can also be used to help circulate the air for additional cooling coverage.

What does the US Dept of Education recommend for improving ventilation in schools?

Please see a recent report – U.S Department of Education, Improving Ventilation in Schools, Colleges, and Universities to Prevent COVID-19
for suggestions on improving indoor air quality.

Do all portable air conditioners need to vent?

The short answer is yes. Much like any air conditioning system, all portable air conditioners need to be vented in some form or fashion.

Portable air conditioners pull in warm air, cool it, and expel the cooled air out of the front of the unit and the remaining warm air and moisture out of the back of the unit. It is this warm air and moisture that needs to be vented out of the room you are currently cooling. The easiest and most popular way to vent your portable AC unit is through a nearby window, which is why each and every portable air conditioner we offer on our site includes an easy-to-use window snap kit.

Are you limited to the size of space that can be cooled?

No, we can cool as big or as small of a space you have as long as the correct power and ventilation options are available.